England Under 21s to play at Turf Moor

Turf Moor

Published:14:50Monday 20 October 2014

England Under 21s will continue their preparations for next summer’s Euro Championship with a game against fellow finalists Portugal at Turf Moor.

Gareth Southgate’s side secured a spot in the finals earlier this month with a victory over Croatia in the play-offs and will now be able to test themselves against another nation who will be heading to the Czech Republic next June.

The Three Lions will be in Lancashire for the game on Thursday, November 13th, kick-off 7-45pm, and it will provide familiar surroundings for three regulars in Southgate’s squad.

Clarets striker Danny Ings has been around Southgate’s squad since making his England debut against San Marino last October, but unfortunately missed the recent play-off games through injury.

And Burnley loanees Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane have also featured for the Under 21s throughout the qualifying stages, before moving to Turf Moor on a temporary basis from Chelsea and Manchester United respectively in September.

Lee Hoos, Burnley FC’s chief executive said: “We would like to thank The FA for considering Burnley Football Club when seeking a host for the England Under 21s’ game.

“It’s a great honour to host this game and wonderful news for the town and the club. We would urge supporters to back Gareth Southgate’s side as they build-up to and look forward to next summer’s European U21 Championships.”

Turf Moor has staged a number of England matches at various levels over the years, most recently in 2007 when England B beat Albania 3-1 thanks to a goal from Alan Smith and a Stewart Downing brace.

England Under 20s also played there against the Netherlands in 2005, a game which ended 2-2 and before that England Women were 1-0 victors against Australia in 2003.

The last time England Under 21s played at the venue came back in 1995, when Dave Sexton’s side beat Latvia by 4-0 thanks to goals from Chris Bart-Williams, Neil Shipperley, Andy Booth and Steve Watson.